Multi cultural weddings have been a favorite of mine for a long time now. When I was contacted by the bride’s mom, Eileen, and she told me about the Persian-Latin-American wedding her daughter and future son-in-law were planning, I knew I just had to be a part of it. Janelle and Nader met at Pierce College and despite their differences (both in culture and personality), they soon realized that they were made for each other. The yin to each other’s yang. The venue they chose for their wedding was the historic and picturesque Villa del Sol d’Oro in Sierra Madre. (The same place where Guns N Roses shot their November Rain music video and movies like Ed Wood were filmed!) The team Eileen helped her kids gather together was the perfect combination of professional, fun, and dedicated vendors. We all had a blast working together, and I have to give a very special shout out to Carmen and her team from Love Sweet Love Weddings and Events. They were the perfect fit to make this amazing party happen. The guests were first treated to the sweet sounds of Mishkar and Elaine from Elegant Music, who played violin and harp for the ceremony and cocktail hour. As the ceremony began, Janelle was walked down the aisle by her dad and step-dad, Rene and Wes. After a short and sweet ceremony, Janelle and Nader were finally husband and wife.
Villa Del Sol d’Oro is an interesting venue to hold an event. With so many rooms and a beautiful outdoor patio, it can be difficult to choose where to put the guests, the cake, the dance floor, etc. We met at the venue eight months before the wedding to put together the perfect plan for Janelle and Nader. The guests would start the night out on the patio. However, there were certain formalities that needed to be done before everyone came in to dance. We aimed two speakers outside and following the Grand Entrance, Janelle and Nader had their first dance, a special parent dance with all three sets of parents joining them on the floor, as well as two father/daughter dances, and one mother/son dance.
After dinner, Nader’s parents arranged to do a special Persian Blessing ceremony. Most of the guests gathered in the room that was previously occupied with the buffet tables, now completely turned around by the quick and wonderful catering staff. This is where; again, having such a great team assembled made these transitions so smooth. While I was busy guiding the guests and explaining what was happening, our fabulous videographers from Lace and Lapel and our amazing photographer Becca Rillo handled business with only a glance from Carmen and I.
It was then party time. Nader had given me a little help with the Persian music and Janelle knew I had the Spanish side covered. Mix all of this together with some good ol Hip-Hop, Old School Funk, Disco, etc. and you have the recipe for a bumpin’ dance floor! At one point, the guests got louder than the four speaker sound system we had set-up in the dance room. The energy was electric, and the guests seemed to have the time of their lives. The time flew by and soon, it was time to say goodnight. But I think the partygoers are probably still dancing at home!.(I know they all had a great time at the after party!)
Dave’s recommended vendors for this wedding are:
- Villa del Sol d’Oro – www.villadelsoldoro.org
- Love Sweet Love Weddings & Events – www.facebook.com/LoveSweetLoveCA
- Lace & Lapel Photography (Video) – www.laceandlapel.com
- Becca Rillo Photography – www.beccarillo.com
- Elegant Music – www.elegantmusic.com